Richard Dolman

AR DEMOLITION INNOVATES AGAIN… A UK FIRST FOR EXPLOSIVES AT CROFT QUARRY

Innovative demolition specialists AR Demolition have used cutting-edge explosive technology to bring down structures at a Leicestershire quarry, in a UK industry first. Continuing its track record for pioneering new technologies, the company has used military-grade hypersonic “kick and cut” charges to bring down a large screen house at Croft

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Issue 325 : Feb 2025

Richard Dolman

AR DEMOLITION INNOVATES AGAIN… A UK FIRST FOR EXPLOSIVES AT CROFT QUARRY

Innovative demolition specialists AR Demolition have used cutting-edge explosive technology to bring down structures at a Leicestershire quarry, in a UK industry first. Continuing its track record for pioneering new technologies, the company has used military-grade hypersonic “kick and cut” charges to bring down a large screen house at Croft Quarry. Richard Dolman, CEO of AR Demolition, believes the project is the first time such charges have been used in the demolition industry, without the normal pre-weakening activity usually needed to bring a structure down. Mr Dolman believes the techniques can now revolutionise safety in the industry while minimising danger to on-site personnel. AR Demolition, which is based in Carlton near Market Bosworth, has been working at Croft Quarry since the start of the year after being contracted to complete decommissioning demolition by site owners Aggregate Industries. The explosives work was part of a joint project to demolish the 1,200 tonne screen house as well as 150 metres of conveyor belts at the bottom of the quarry pit. Designed by Wiltshire experts Alford Technologies, the kicking and cutting technique brings together two forms of explosive charge. Mr Dolman said: “No one has used this technology in UK demolition before. It was a project which has taken considerable forethought and planning and we are delighted with the results. “It’s a major stepping stone for us and, in my view, a huge moment for our industry. The fact that you can bring down buildings by severing steel without pre-weakening is a landmark moment. “Alford Technologies have been working on these theories for a long time but, until now, there has been typical reticence in our industry to adopt new technologies. “So I’m pleased to have been able to put the ideas into practice and find new ways of increasing safety in our sector. “It was our first opportunity to test the technology and we have learned lessons along the way. We’re now looking forward to using the method on future projects.” AR Demolition, based in Carlton near Market Bosworth, is making a name for itself as being one of the UK’s most forward-thinking and innovative demolition contractors. The company has invested in cutting-edge Kiesel machinery, while its sister firm AR Aggregates has also invested in two pieces of kit from German manufacturer Kleeman, in a joint bid to improve efficiency, economy and safety performance. Mr Dolman has also pioneered the use of debris protection frames and dust suppression techniques. The new relationship with Alford Technologies, based in Trowbridge, is the latest manifestation of AR Demolition’s mission to bring pioneering change to the sector. Roland Alford, managing director and son of the company’s founder and chairman Dr Sidney Alford, said: “We are proud to have worked alongside such an innovative contractor to have brought this technology into practical, commercial usage. And we look forward to working with AR Demolition on future projects. “We used our Dioplex charges to make a hypersonic blade which cuts through steel like butter, eliminating the need to burn and weaken steel beams. “When combined with the Wallhammer kicking charge to remove the columns, the speed of these military grade munitions means they are relatively easy to control. “Without the need to use human beings on weakening work, safety is greatly increased. If necessary, the charges can be placed by robots thereby removing the human element completely. “The demolition industry now stands to benefit from the evolution of scientific improvements which, combined with the vision of a man such as Richard Dolman, mean that we can shape the future of the industry and improve safety for everyone involved.”

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First Demolition Management Master’s Degree in UK Launched by University of Wolverhampton

Last week the University of Wolverhampton launched the first Demolition Management Master’s Degree. This course is the first of its kind on offer in the UK, and a local businessman is among the first people to sign up for the course. Richard Dolman works for the Nuneaton based company AR Demolition and has enrolled on to the course which will begin this month at the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment. The Master’s Degree course has been accredited by the Institute of Demolition Engineers. The new Demolition Management course has been created with the assistance of industry experts and it is thought that the syllabus will be delivered to the students by academics and specialists in the demolition sector. The creation of this course has taken place after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the University of Wolverhampton and the IDE. This Memorandum was signed in September last year and looked to introduce a range of new opportunities for both students and those already working in the industry. The demolition sector works of more than £8 billion worth of projects each year. The new qualification will hopefully attract more young people to this sector as well as making sure that current demolition engineers have access to the best opportunities for professional development possible. A number of central representatives from the industry and academics that are a part of the curriculum delivery team have attended a range of different planning meetings that have been held over the course of the last two years in order to design and create the new Master’s Degree in Demolition Management. The degree course is a great way to make the industry more professional. For Richard Dolman, getting a degree in his career subject was an interesting prospect, and could also appeal to those who were less interested in academics earlier in life. The degree course is another step towards plugging the skills gap present in the demolition industry at all points.

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